Phyllis Joyce Martin

Phyllis Joyce Martin, affectionately known as “Little Sport,” passed away on August 15, 2026, in Kissimmee, Florida, just days before her 77th birthday. She was born on August 31, 1949, in St. Mary, Jamaica, and carried with her throughout her life the warmth, wit, and vibrant spirit that made her unforgettable to all who knew her.

Phyllis was a hilarious, loving, and deeply engaging woman whose joyful nature drew people to her with ease. She loved to interact with others, whether they were lifelong friends or complete strangers, and she brought the same lively energy, kindness, and curiosity into every conversation. She was always jovial, and those closest to her will remember not only her laughter, but also her remarkable knowledge of a wide range of topics, her thoughtfulness, and the way she cared so deeply about everybody around her.

Her education at St. Hughes High School in Kingston, Jamaica, helped shape one of her lifelong passions: journalism. She often spoke with pride about her writing skills and about her dream of becoming a journalist. That love of words seemed to live naturally within her. Phyllis was a gifted storyteller, someone who could hold attention, spark laughter, and leave a lasting impression simply by sharing a moment, a memory, or an observation.

She devoted 10 years of service as a civil servant for the government of Jamaica, working at the Registrar General and Tax Office. She also spent more than 40 years as a caregiver, a calling that reflected the very heart of who she was. Of all her accomplishments, the one she cherished most was the many lives she touched while caring for others. Her work was not simply what she did; it was an extension of her compassion, generosity, and enduring concern for people.

Phyllis also embraced life’s quieter pleasures with delight. She loved to read, especially mystery and thriller novels, and she enjoyed watching Nollywood movies. She was especially fond of actor Frederick Leonard, and with her signature humor would jokingly ask, “Let us know when we need to pack our bags for the reunion, he doesn’t know about.” It was a line that perfectly captured her playful spirit and the laughter she so effortlessly brought into the lives of others.

She now rejoins those who went before her: her father, Aubrey Martin; her mother, Lucy Martin; her husband, Michael Fleming; her son, Othneil Fleming; and her sister, Stephanie Martin. Their memories remained part of her life, and her own memory will now be treasured alongside theirs.

Phyllis leaves behind a loving family who will continue to carry her stories, her humor, and her love in their hearts. She is survived by her daughters, Veron Gray and Michelle Fleming, and by Cecille Matrin-Farrior. She is also survived by her brother, Frank Martin, and his wife, Pauline, whose shared bond with her formed an important part of her family circle. Her memory will be cherished by her nieces, Belinda Hamilton, Marlene Dyer, Karen Martin, and Sharon Martin, and by her nephews, Barth Hamilton and Raymond McIntosh. She also leaves her beloved grandchildren, Stephanie Fleming, Jenay Gurdon, Daeja Gurdon, and Justin Lynch, each of whom remains part of the legacy of love she built over a lifetime. In the lives of her family, Phyllis leaves a lasting example of warmth, resilience, humor, and care.

A visitation will be held on September 6, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Poinciana SDA Church, 4948 Old Pleasant Hill Rd, Kissimmee, Florida 34759. A Celebration of Life will follow at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Burial will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery, 1615 Old Boggy Creek Road, Kissimmee, Florida 34744.

Phyllis Joyce Martin lived a life marked by service, laughter, conversation, and care. She touched hearts through her presence and through the way she made people feel seen, welcomed, and valued. Her family and friends will remember her as a woman of great spirit and deep affection, and her memory will continue to shine brightly in all who were blessed to know and love her.

Richard Funeral Services